The recent national election in Austria has caused quite a stir as the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) under Herbert Kickl secured a historic win with 28.8 per cent of the vote. This victory has left other parties struggling to form a new government due to Kickl’s radical proposals. The uncertainty surrounding the future of the country has sparked discussions and debates among the lawmakers.
Despite Austria’s powerful Kronen Zeitung tabloid noting the revolutionary atmosphere, the future is still uncertain. President Alexander Van der Bellen will play a crucial role in choosing the politician to lead the government. However, the task of forming a coalition government poses a challenge, especially considering the FPOe’s history.
Potential coalition options include teaming up with the conservatives led by Chancellor Karl Nehammer or forming a three-party coalition with the Social Democrats and the liberal NEOS. The outcome of these negotiations remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the political landscape in Austria is set for a significant transformation.